Hussain Sajwani, a United Arab Emirates native, is considered one of the pioneers of the Dubai property market expansion. He is the Chairman and founder of DAMAC Properties, a global property development company. Hussain is a successful businessman and investor, with an impressive success record in global equity and capital markets.

Hussain Sajwani family is a middle class family from Dubai, the DAMAC owner is the eldest of 5 children. His father owned a watch shop, which Hussain frequented; his interest in business and entrepreneurial spirit grew from there. Hussain studied Economics and Industrial Engineers at the University of Washington, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in 1981.

Prior to becoming DAMAC’s owner in 2002, Hussain worked as a contracts manger for a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, which he then left to establish his own catering venture. The venture soon grew to become a market leader with global presence. Read more: Hussain Sajwani | Newksira

From there, recognizing that foreigners were keen to own property in Dubai, and given that at the time the government allowed non-citizens to buy real estate, Hussein established DAMAC Properties.

DAMAC Properties specializes in luxury real estate, and is part of DAMAC group, which was founded by Sajwani in 1992. DAMAC Properties is listed on the Dubai Financial Market, the company is considered one of the top luxury property developers, with a portfolio of over 44,000 unites. DAMAC Properties deals with residential, commercial and leisure real-estate and serves the UAE, KSA, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon and the United Kingdom.

In 2013, DAMAC Properties partnered with Donald Trump to develop two Trump golf courses, the first of which, The Trump International Gold Course Dubai, opened in February 2017 and is located at DAMAC’s Akoya residential development. The second, the Trump World Gold Course, which was designed by Tiger Woods, is meant to open in the fourth quarter of 2018, and will be located at a different DAMAC development.

Hussain is a generous philanthropist, who supports organizations that help underprivileged communities. He has given to charities providing warmth and clothing to needy children. Furthermore, Sajwani is in particular interested in supporting youth entrepreneurship programs.